I am back in the United States of America. Well, actually Boston, but it will have to do for now. Anyhoo, did 6 weeks in Turkey and Greece and have to say that I came away from the experience very impressed by my taveling skills. I won't say much for now because I want to get a chance to download some photos over the next few days, but memorable moments include playing backgammon on a warm summer's night about half a stones throw from the Ionian Sea, listening to the local FM station in Bartholomaios Greece, and hearing Norman Blake and Dan Tyminski back to back! Norm sang "You Are My Sunshine", and then Dan did "Man of Constant Sorrow"! That's when I new for sure that someday, and maybe even already, Hillbillies will rule the world. When they're playing this stuff on the coast of the Mediterranean, you know something is up. I also had the chance to talk with some local musicians about the stuff they play, and they said there is a guy from Ireland name Ross Daly who has combined some Celtic sounding stuff with the traditional Greek, Cretan, and Turkish stuff, and it is pretty popular. Well, more later. Be good.

Howdy, all! Time for my weekly trek to blogville. I'd expect many of you are making preparations for the premier summer holiday in these parts, that being the 4th of July. Sadly, many a citizen of this great land has let slip the true purpose of this event, a commemoration of those acts which provided us with the freedoms we now enjoy. For many, as close as they will get to celebrating that freedom is exercising their rights to keep their neighbors up til the wee hours by shooting off fire crackers, exercising their right to blow off their fingertips with said fire crackers, exercising their right to operate vehicles and watercraft when they are in a compromised state of conciousness, and exercising their right to cause irreparable damage to the delicate layer of tissue covering their beings. Well, of course, that is all done in the name of having a good time. And we are free to do that. We are free to do that because many who have gone before have been willing to pay dearly to ensure that we could, and still can. Let's not let those sacrifices go unrecognized or unappreciated over the holiday. Learn the chords to America the Beautiful, or God Bless America, and get a few folks to sing along. Some one will be listening, and I'll bet you will feel their appreciation for your efforts.

Now hear this! Now hear this! This is NOT the Rose"Bud" blog. This is the RG"Neighbor"C blog, and "Neighbor's" contributions have been as scarce as vegetarians at a pig roast of late. Therefore, and to wit, I do hereby and forthwith place burden upon members thereof to, with all due haste and diligence, submit and tender instruments of communication, both relevant and not, unto said blog in accordance with those precepts originally undertaken, and to maintain such activity in a manner consistent with the concept of good neighborliness.

Be happy and careful